Topical Bible: Prophets: Schools of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of "Schools of the Prophets" refers to groups or communities in ancient Israel where individuals were trained and mentored in the prophetic ministry. These schools played a significant role in the religious and social life of Israel, particularly during the periods of the monarchy. The existence and function of these schools are primarily derived from the historical narratives found in the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles.

Biblical References and Historical Context

The earliest mention of a group resembling a school of prophets is found in the time of Samuel. In 1 Samuel 10:5, Saul encounters a group of prophets coming down from a high place, prophesying with musical instruments. This suggests an organized group engaged in prophetic activities. Samuel himself is often associated with the establishment of these prophetic communities, as he was a key figure in the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy.

During the time of Elijah and Elisha, the schools of the prophets are more explicitly mentioned. In 2 Kings 2:3, 5, and 7, the "sons of the prophets" are described as disciples or members of these communities. They appear to have been located in various cities, including Bethel, Jericho, and Gilgal. These groups were likely composed of individuals dedicated to learning and practicing the prophetic gifts under the guidance of a leading prophet, such as Elijah or Elisha.

Function and Activities

The primary function of the schools of the prophets was to serve as centers for spiritual instruction and prophetic training. Members were taught to discern the voice of God, interpret His messages, and deliver them to the people. The schools also emphasized moral and ethical teachings, aligning with the covenantal relationship between God and Israel.

The activities within these schools included communal living, worship, and possibly musical training, as indicated by the use of instruments in prophetic activities (1 Samuel 10:5). The communal aspect is further highlighted in 2 Kings 4:38-44, where Elisha provides for the sons of the prophets during a famine, suggesting a close-knit community life.

Role in Israelite Society

The schools of the prophets played a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual vitality of Israel. They acted as a counterbalance to the monarchy, often providing divine guidance and correction to kings and the nation. Prophets from these schools were instrumental in calling Israel back to faithfulness to God, as seen in the ministries of Elijah and Elisha.

Moreover, these schools helped preserve the prophetic tradition during times of apostasy and idolatry. They ensured the continuity of prophetic voices that spoke against social injustice and religious corruption, thereby upholding the covenantal values central to Israel's identity.

Legacy and Influence

The legacy of the schools of the prophets is evident in the enduring prophetic tradition within Israel. They laid the groundwork for the later writing prophets, whose messages are recorded in the prophetic books of the Old Testament. The emphasis on spiritual formation, ethical living, and social justice found in these schools continued to influence the religious life of Israel and later Jewish thought.

In summary, the schools of the prophets were vital institutions in ancient Israel, fostering a community of individuals dedicated to hearing and proclaiming God's word. Through their training and activities, they contributed significantly to the spiritual and moral direction of the nation.

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1 Kings 20:35
And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray you. And the man refused to smite him.
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2 Kings 2:3-15
And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said to him, Know you that the LORD will take away your master from your head to day? And he said, Yes, I know it; hold you your peace.
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2 Kings 4:1,38
Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets to Elisha, saying, Your servant my husband is dead; and you know that your servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take to him my two sons to be slaves.
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2 Kings 9:1
And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said to him, Gird up your loins, and take this box of oil in your hand, and go to Ramothgilead:
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Library

Two Prophets of the Inward Word: Bunderlin and Entfelder
... CHAPTER III TWO PROPHETS OF THE INWARD WORD: BUNDERLIN AND ENTFELDER. I ... for illustration,
and he was well versed in the dialectic of the schools, though he ...
/.../chapter iii two prophets of.htm

The Preacher as a False Prophet.
... These were the Schools of the Prophets, and their students were the Sons of the
Prophets. Samuel seems to have been the first founder of these schools. ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture v the preacher as.htm

His Schools and Schoolmasters.
... His Schools and Schoolmasters ... raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of
his servant David, as He spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have ...
/.../meyer/john the baptist/iii his schools and schoolmasters.htm

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ...
... of Jerusalem there were no fewer than four hundred and eighty schools in the ... of
Leviticus to the rest of the Pentateuch, thence to the Prophets, and lastly to ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 8 subjects of study.htm

The Cities of the Levites.
... And the schools of the prophets were little universities, and colleges of
students. For their governor they had some venerable prophet ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 97 the cities of.htm

The Call of Elisha
... The schools of the prophets, established by Samuel, had fallen into decay
during the years of Israel's apostasy. Elijah re-established ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 17 the call of.htm

Religious Education --The Fundamental Problem of To-Day
... The Hebrew prophets, priests, and sages were not primarily preachers, but teachers. ...
are far in advance of the Protestant churches and Sunday-schools, where the ...
/.../xvi religious educationthe fundamental problem.htm

The Judges.
... by means of prayer. He founded schools for the instruction of young prophets
at Gilgal. Bethel, Mizpeh and Ramah. In this he perhaps ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter ix the judges.htm

The Chariot of Fire
... It has been thought that the object of the visits to Bethel and Jericho was to give
parting directions to the schools of the prophets at each place; but that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the chariot of fire.htm

First and Second Samuel.
... Probably the most notable of all his work was the establishment of schools of
prophets, which greatly dignified the work of the prophets. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter viii first and second.htm